After a scorching stretch propelled by Grimace, Candelita, and several players returning to form, the New York Mets have remarkably reclaimed control of their destiny in the Wild Card race. Despite a dismal 22-33 record as of May 29, marked by Jorge López’s infamous glove toss at Citi Field, the Mets now stand at a respectable 48-45.
With their fortunes on the upswing, the focus in Queens has shifted from potential sellers to savvy buyers as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The consensus is clear: pitching, pitching, and more pitching are the key needs to bolster their playoff aspirations. However, amidst the strategic discussions, a curveball has been thrown into the mix—consideration for a impactful position player in the trade mix.
Without further ado, here are three intriguing, high-upside trade targets the Mets should contemplate ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline:
1. **Tyler Anderson from the Angels**: Before this season, Tyler Anderson seemed destined to languish on a struggling Los Angeles Angels team post-Shohei Ohtani. However, the veteran southpaw has defied expectations with a sub-3.00 ERA and a robust 4.2 wins above replacement (WAR). Entering the twilight of his career at 31, Anderson’s hefty contract and cap hits of $44.1 million for 2025 and 2026 pose financial challenges for the Mets. Despite his All-Star caliber performance, the pragmatic approach favored by Mets’ general manager Chris Ballard may not align with such a blockbuster acquisition.
2. **Oakland Athletics’ Bullpen Addition**: Following potential reinforcement of their starting rotation, the Mets could benefit from bolstering their bullpen with another power arm. The current bullpen, though relatively steady this season, boasts a middling 1.34 WHIP (23rd in MLB). Lucas Erceg, the hard-throwing setup man for the Oakland Athletics, stands out as an intriguing target. With a blazing fastball touching 100 mph and an impressive 2.94 ERA alongside 38 strikeouts in 33.2 innings, Erceg offers substantial upside. Moreover, with five years of team control, Erceg presents a valuable long-term investment for the Mets amid the Athletics’ budgetary constraints and need for prospects.
3. **Left-Handed Bench Bat Jesse Winker**: While the Mets’ lineup has shown improvement, there remains a gap in left-handed hitting off the bench. Jeff McNeil’s struggles and DJ Stewart’s .168 batting average underline the need for a dependable lefty pinch-hitter, particularly against tough right-handed relievers. Jesse Winker of the Washington Nationals emerges as a compelling candidate. Despite recent dips in performance, Winker’s career .973 OPS as a substitute underscores his potential impact in crucial pinch-hit scenarios. His offensive prowess could provide the Mets with the necessary late-game spark to bolster their playoff push.
As the Mets navigate the complexities of the trade market, they must balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability. While each potential acquisition offers distinct advantages, the decision-making process hinges on strategic foresight and financial prudence. With the 2024 postseason within reach, the Mets’ front office faces a pivotal juncture in shaping their roster for a deep playoff run.